Take us back to your why.How’d you get here?Why are you in this job of influencing children?What is your critical purpose on this planet?What do you hope will be your legacy?
I got here because I believe children deserve adults who see their potential before they see it themselves, and somewhere along the way I realized that teaching wasn’t just a job, it was a calling. I chose a life of influencing children because I understand the power of a single encouraging voice or a lesson that makes a student feel curious about the world. My purpose on this planet is to help mold young minds who are confident, compassionate, and brave enough to ask why and care about how their choices affect others. I hope my legacy is not measured by lessons taught or standards covered, but by students who remember that someone believed in them and helped them along they way.
When I was a senior in high school, I struggled to figure out what I wanted to go to college for. All of the students around me seemed like they had it all figured out. It got even more confusing when I started my first year at college and had to pick a major. That was when the pieces started to slowly get put together. My first major was business management, then human resources, then elementary education, then psychology which led to me finally figuring that I wanted to get my masters in school counseling. I didn't know that was what I wanted to do back in high school but I knew that I wanted to help people with any problems that they're going through. Being a school counselor gives me that opportunity to not only help students with any problems they're facing but to help them figure out their path in life. I hope I create a legacy as a school counselor by always advocating for my students, helping them use their strengths and finding their purpose and their why in life.
I grew up with my mom having a daycare in our home so was always surrounded by children. I loved school and would play it with the daycare children. When I was old enough I started babysitting to earn money and just knew that I needed to do something with kids!
I absolutely love teaching and working with children. I am fortunate to work with my district's youngest learners and truly can't see myself anywhere else. I believe that my critical purpose is to instill a love for learning as well as a positive attitude towards school that my students will carry with them always. It is also important to me that they know they are an important part of my classroom, that they are cared about, and that they can do hard things. These are also the things I hope that I am remembered for by my former students and families as well as all of the special things we did together in Preschool.
Growing up, my mom always told me that she thought I should be a kindergarten teacher. I told her I would never be a teacher! As I got older, I decided I wanted to be a child life specialist. I ended up going to SDSU for ECE because that would put me on that path. I ended up adding a special education endorsement because I thought it would look good on my resume. My first practicum for SPED was the early childhood SPED program in the Brookings School District. I spent a few hours there on my first day and when I left, I called my mom and told her I was going to be a SPED teacher. That day changed the course of my life. I loved that we were working on individual goals, not just general skills for everyone. I loved the behavior challenges that came with this specific population. I loved learning about different disabilities and how to differentiate work to make it work for everyone.
I haven't thought much about a "legacy" and to be honest it stresses me out to think about what kind of greater purpose I have in this life. I guess at the end of my life, I hope people remember me as a kind and compassionate person, someone that cared about others the way I care for myself, and a good friend, mother, and partner. I hope that the work I do every day in the classroom makes a difference in my students' and their families' lives.
Growing up, I wanted to be a lot of things….a teacher, a doctor, a marine biologist. I always enjoyed being at school and loved the teachers I had. In high school, for a reason beyond me, I decided I wanted to go to college for physical therapy. I took one semester of classes and realized that was NOT what I was meant to do. As soon as I could, I changed my major to education. I am very thankful I chose to follow my heart. My heart was always in education and with children. Growing up, my main summer job was being a nanny. I loved it! When asked why I wanted to become a teacher, I always give the same answer. It was because of my 3rd grade teacher, who also happened to be my neighbor. I loved everything about her classroom—the fun projects we got to do, our journal buddies Jimmy and Timmy that we got to take home with us for a few days at a time, her simple rewards (giving us a few M&Ms or skittles) for doing something good/positive. I knew I wanted to have an impact on others they way she had an impact on me.
My hope is that I pass my knowledge on to the students I teach in a positive, meaningful way. I hope by showing my passion of content, they will discover passions of their own. When/if students think of me later on in life, I would like them to think of me as a fun, passionate teacher who did her best to make learning fun! 😊
I have always wanted to be a teacher. I remember playing school as a kid and having my siblings as my students. When they wouldn't play anymore then I would use stuffed animals. I love it when a student that is confused on a concept finally understands it and the light bulb goes off for them! that is the best feeling knowing that I have helped them figure out a problem. Now as a substitute teacher in the same school I was a preschool teacher for 7 years I am seeing the 3 and 4 year olds that I taught when they are older and it is amazing how some of the things that I taught them in preschool still show up in their daily routine as 3rd or 4th graders! I hope that every one of the students that I have taught knows that they were loved and are loved by me I hope that my actions in the classroom instilled in them a love of learning that will continue for them!
I feel like if memory serves me correctly, I always wanted to be a teacher or at the very least work with children. I remember back in high school, during our study hall if we had all our work completed, we were able to go help in the elementary classes and that was my favorite part of the day. I did a lot of babysitting so considered doing daycare for a minute, but I think it was the summer that I tutored one of my teacher's daughters that I knew that was what I wanted to do. When I was tutoring that child, I was able to see the light bulb moments and that was the golden ticket. I wanted more of those moments so children could feel successful. My purpose to give students those moments are what I still strive for even in my shift to part time. I mainly work with students who are struggling but to give them guidance and reassurance that they have what it takes is my daily goal. I hope my legacy is that "she never gave up on me, all she ever asked for was progress over perfection".
Take us back to your why. How’d you get here? Why are you in this job of influencing children? What is your critical purpose on this planet? What do you hope will be your legacy?
I wanted to be a teacher to let the ones who struggle have a fair chance by me giving them the opportunity to meet their highest potential. Kids who feel alone or do not feel they are worthy find out they have skills that can make them live a happy and successful life if they believe in themselves by the support of me and other people in this world that care. My students learn hard work will make a difference in the end even when it takes more time to learn the curriculum.
I am a teacher because I enjoy teaching. Both my grandparents were teachers and my dad is currently a teacher. I have been around education my whole life and a career in education felt like the most natural choice for me after I graduated high school. There are a few aspects of education that are not super exciting, but I find most of my job to be fulfilling. I have a tremendous passion for teaching Spanish and what I believe to be a fairly positive mindset. One of the biggest problems I have run into while teaching middle school is student apathy. Kids simply do not want to do anything. My hope is that students see my enthusiasm and leave my class with the idea that learning Spanish (or any subject) is a worthwhile pursuit.
I went to college thinking I was going to become a pharmacist, after realizing my course of study was not on track, changing my major a couple more times, talking to my favorite Math teacher from HS, and then some additional soul searching I landed on teaching. I hope to instill the love of my classes/subjects unto my students. I also want to help these students become the best possible adults they can be, playing an active and successive role in society. I want them to know that I am teaching them more than my subject area, but also life lessons. I would like my legacy to be that I care for my students, I want the best for them, and I push them everyday so they know they can be successful.
Take us back to your why. How’d you get here? Why are you in this job of influencing children? What is your critical purpose on this planet? What do you hope will be your legacy?
I got here because my grandfather had a huge impact on my life. He was a superintendent of schools. He showed me the impact that educators could have on people and communities. I saw this and decided that I wanted to impact children and the future as well. My critical purpose on this planet is to enjoy the passage of time while trying to positively impact the lives of those I come in contact with. I hope my legacy will be one of hope, fun and caring for others. I hope I inspire others to enjoy life in a positive way. I hope others see me as selfless.
Take us back to your why. How’d you get here? Why are you in this job of influencing children? What is your critical purpose on this planet? What do you hope will be your legacy?
I struggled in school, so I always had to work hard for the grades I received. My history teachers were not great and every day that we would show up, read a section from the book, and answer the questions at the end of the section. Then the following day, we would show up, take the quiz from the book, pass it to the person behind us and they graded our quizzes for us. I create a lot of anxiety for myself because my classmates would know how I did on my quizzes. We would then have a test every week. I decided to go to school to become a teacher because I feel like I have a personal understanding of how school is not easy for everyone and having differentiated instruction so that all students can learn without being frustrated. I want students to feel comfortable in a classroom and with the content. I want to challenge my students, but not to the point where they feel like a failure or feel like they will never be smart enough. My legacy I want to be is that I recreated relationships with the friends and help them understand that you can learn anything if you put your mind to it and that I will be there to help them get there.
In high school I had two male teachers who truly inspired me to become an educator. They co taught English and Social Studies. Both of them did not care what background any of their students came from because they truly believed in each and every one of us. If we were willing to put in the work they gave us all the tools we needed to be successful. They were very passionate on the subject areas they taught and they connected with all of us on an individual level and gave us real life examples/application. They inspired me to become a teacher so I could help love, connect, and inspire the next generations despite their background, family life, or situation in order to help them gain the skills to be successful in life. More importantly know they are loved and they have the option to do whatever they would like to do in life if they are willing to put in the work. I hope my student always remember I had high expectations for them because I knew they could do it and I’m giving them the skills to help them reach goals they didn’t think they could do. My hardest students I’ve had so far I look back reflect on the mistakes I did make with them and do better now that I know better. Everyone of those kids are the first to meet my eyes in the hallway and tell me hello or good morning because they know I was hard on them because I wanted them to succeed.
I grew up in a home that was very unsafe. School became my sanctuary—a place where I could feel safe, cared for, and free to learn. Learning to read opened doors for me and gave me an escape, a way to imagine possibilities beyond my circumstances.
I chose to become a teacher because I want to provide that same sense of safety, stability, and opportunity for the children I work with—especially those who may not always have it at home. My critical purpose on this planet is to create a space where every child feels seen, valued, and capable of growth. I hope my legacy will be that of a teacher who not only taught skills but also nurtured hearts, gave children confidence, and helped them know they matter, no matter their circumstances.
Take us back to your why. How’d you get here? Why are you in this job of influencing children? What is your critical purpose on this planet? What do you hope will be your legacy?
I have always wanted to work with youth. Even as a high school student I would volunteer to help coach youth sports and work in the elementary. I enjoy giving encouragement and structure to kids, and helping them find their way. I was lucky to find connections early in my career that helped to show that I am helping to make a difference.
I started very early by babysitting the kids around town. Loved watching them grow and learn. It eventually evolved into becoming a teacher. This lead to be going to college to become a teacher, most had a great influence by other teachers, I however did not. I had a few that were negative and mean to me growing up and told myself I would never do that to a child. This lead into me becoming a 4-H educator and told myself I would never be like the old generation and want to influence the kids in the positive way. If I had a legacy I want to known for bringing the program back and the one that taught the kids to do something new! This program isn’t about me it is for the kids and about the kids. We want them to be successful in life by bringing them experiences.
I decided to be in education because I enjoyed school and I was successful at school. When I was deciding on a college major I thought I could be a successful teacher who enjoyed the classroom and could help students to be successful. As I worked more in education I realized how important it is to be a role model to young students. I enjoy the challenge of influencing children and I understand that it is a very important role. My critical purpose on this planet is to show kindness while staying true to my faith. I hope my legacy is kindness, love, strength to stand up for my beliefs and faith.
I always wanted to be a teacher. I grew up being the local "babysitter" around town. I had a couple of favorite teachers in school that influenced me and guided me in this direction. I have had a variety of jobs at our school district ranging from elementary teacher to computer teacher to an integrationist. I have enjoyed them all. I feel like I have built relationships with students and co-workers as well as many in our community. Watching each the students as well as the staff succeed while working with each has also helped me evolved as a person.
My why? How did I get here? Thinking back to my school days, I had a lot of great teachers who influenced me, but the ones that stuck out were the ones that took the time to build a relationship with me. They not only taught me, but showed me kindness, love and then were firm with me when I needed it. They believed in me and taught me to believe in myself, especially on the hard days. Fast forward to the beginning of my teaching career, I decided that I wanted to make an impact in children's lives, just like those teachers I have mentioned. I pride myself on building relationships and making sure that I touched base with each student every day to let them know I see them! I want students to remember me for the way I made them feel in my classroom and in the halls, that is my legacy!
Many teachers often say they knew from a very young age they always wanted to be a teacher. That was not the case with me. I went to college not exactly sure what I wanted to major in. I took an interest inventory survey before my freshman year, and it pointed me to teaching. I always liked kids and enjoyed babysitting, so I thought it might be a good fit for me. As I started down the path, I knew that teaching was what I wanted to do. I enjoy being around kids, and making a difference in their day. I feel that my main purpose is to make sure every child that comes into my classroom feels cared about. Through that they develop the confidence to try anything, and do hard things.
I hope the kids remember me as the teacher who loved to learn more about them as a person. I don't plan on doing any work in my room from 7:50-8:15 each morning. When the kids come into the classroom at 7:50. they may choose to go outside or stay in. They may hang out to chat, color, play with Legos, or play Uno. There is no technology allowed. Just "people" time. We play music, talk, and just share life with each other.
Take us back to your why. How’d you get here? Why are you in this job of influencing children? What is your critical purpose on this planet? What do you hope will be your legacy?
My Why and how I got here: I love helping other people. I originally went to school for criminology, as I wanted to be a police officer. I realized how much I love fitness and working with children, so it was a no brainer to teach PE and Health.
My critical purpose on this planet is to preach God's word and to also be a good citizen.
My legacy: I want my students to remember my storytelling and the advice I gave them for life. I hope it brings them to unbelievable places.
I clearly remember being a junior in high school and deciding that I wanted to be a teacher. I was fortunate enough to have great relationships with my teachers, I loved interacting with them. I loved being coached by my coaches. I wanted to be that person to someone else some day. I want to make a difference in the lives of my students. Some days are hard, but I want my kids to know that no matter what they have done, they are still loved and respected. I want to make learning fun, I want them to look forward to coming to school every day. I want my classroom to be their safe place. I feel as though my purpose is to show God's love each day. I want my legacy to be that I showed them love in all circumstances.
Teaching is essentially what I was built to do—help people understand things more clearly, think more critically, and make better decisions. There’s a certain satisfaction in seeing someone “get it” because of how I explained something. I love knowing I make a positive impact on young lives, share a passion for learning, and enjoy the, sometimes, "light bulb moments" of understanding.
During my job shadowing experience in high school I worked in a special education classroom. Throughout that experience, I continuously was reminded how much I wanted to be a special education teacher and make a difference every day student's lives. When I reflect on my why, it truly hasn't changed. I love being that supporter in a student's life that is always rooting for them in the little and big moments. It is a fantastic to see them grow as kids and getting to be the person to celebrate those successes. My why for teaching is getting to be that cheerleader for struggling kids and help them see how amazing they are and the growth they are capable of.
My why has changed from the beginning of my career to now. I first got into teaching because I had (and still have) a passion for history and government. I wanted to share that knowledge with others and inspire them to love history as well. My interest led me to pursue a degree in history education and upon graduation, I got a job at my first school, taught there for 12 years and am currently in my 12th year at my current school.
Over time, my why has shifted. I have come to realize that not every student will come to love history, but I can have positive relationships with every student and be a positive influence on the lives of my students. One think that brought this home, was an encounter with a former student at a high school basketball game. We visited for a bit, I got to meet his new so, and then he asked me if I still taught Geography. I actually had him in a history class and have never taught geography. This really drove home to me that while students may not remember everything we teach, they will remember us and the relationships with teachers. I really believe that my purpose on earth is to be a teacher. I hope that my legacy is that students will feel that I treated them with the respect they deserve and know that I care about each of them.
I got here because the connection I needed to make in elementary school didn’t happen until my first year of community college. It was during this time that I met Lynn West, one of my writing instructors. She was very kind to me-letting me know that my writing skills had potential. That was a major turning point for me in that I went from being a “C”/”D” student to an “A”/”B” one almost instantly. Lynn gave me something I’d never had, someone who believed that with a little more practice, I could be a good writer. When someone shows you that level of kindness and support, you start to believe that you can do anything. Oh, how I wish a connection like this would have come at an earlier age, but at least I was blessed with one true teacher/student connection-someone who believed in me.
Moving forward, I set my sights on teaching elementary school-a place where I would do my very best to connect to as many students as I could-ensuring they would have EARLY connections in their lives.
I believe we are here to do two things, love and serve. I love learning with my students and I love the act of service (helping others become the best versions of themselves-through modeling).
As far as my legacy goes, I would say, building a love for community service. Two years into teaching, I decided to get my students involved in community service projects. Every year during the holidays, I would get a list of names from a local convalescent center. Now, the names I got were not residents who got a lot of visitors, these were residents who had little to no visitors. I’d send home letters about my gift giving program and students who were interested would select a senior to “adopt” for the holidays. Families would shop for their seniors and then personally deliver the gifts they bought-making connections that lasted several years in many cases. I’m hoping that the students who participated in this program would go on to continue to participate in various community service projects-building a love for both service and connection to their community.
Take us back to your why. How’d you get here? Why are you in this job of influencing children? What is your critical purpose on this planet? What do you hope will be your legacy?
Growing up I absolutely loved sports and being active. I also baby sat a lot in my town. When I first went to college I thought that I wanted to be a physical therapist. I took a semester of classes and quickly found out that I was not passionate about the job. I sat down with my advisor and was talking to her about some of my interests and she suggested physical education. She also recommended that I include elementary education because PE jobs are far and few between. Once I began taking education classes and knew that it was what I wanted to do. I taught 5th grade for 5 years before the PE teacher retired and I got his job. Now I am teaching elementary PE and love it so much! My goal is to build relationships with my students and help them to see that they are loved and valued. I also want to teach them the importance of physical activity and healthy living along with good sportsmanship. I hope that I leave a legacy of teaching students how to respect each other when they are in tough situations. I want them to be respectful, kind, and competitive adults. I think my critical purpose on this planet is to spread positivity and laughter. I hope that when students come to PE they are excited and ready to have fun.
It is really interesting how I became a teacher. My dad who did teach for a lot of years told me not to go into teaching and especially not coaching. So I went into the hospitality business but really disliked it. I went back to school and got my teaching degree in business and minored in coaching. I had 1 teacher that was so excited about teaching and coaching and he was someone that you wanted to be around and work hard for. I have always strived to be like him and he always wanted what was best for his students and athletes and I hope I bring that same energy and passion to my students. I also think kids feed off of that passion and positive attitude that they want to be around me.
Take us back to your why. How’d you get here? Why are you in this job of influencing children? What is your critical purpose on this planet? What do you hope will be your legacy?
Looking back, I honestly had no idea what I wanted to do when I went to college. It wasn't until a few years in that I went the Human Service route and then had a friend that encouraged me to the School Counseling path. When I was in high school, I didn't even know the position existed and it was at that time that I didn't want my experience for kids or high school students. I wanted to help them and encourage them in their future's as well as give the younger students tools to help them be successful. I just want kids to remember that I helped them and was a consistent and kind to help them get through some big moments in their lives as well as the small moments.
I’m here because I believe that math isn’t just about numbers, it’s about teaching kids how to think through things when they’re frustrated. I ended up in this classroom because I wanted to be a person who makes a difficult subject feel manageable, and in doing that, I realized my job is less about numbers and more about being a steady presence in their lives. I want to be remember for having a place where they felt seen, safe, and capable of figuring it out.
I come from a family that values the education profession. My grandma was a one room school house teacher and my other grandma a professor of education at USF. My grandpa was the principal of old Washington High School in Sioux Falls. My dad taught at my high school. Many others in my family were in education careers as well. From when I was little I got to hear stories of how my family members impacted their lives through their positions in schools. I wrote my Masters Thesis on the power of self efficacy. I see that as my legacy. I want the kiddos that I get to impact to believe in themselves and dream big.
Take us back to your why. How’d you get here? Why are you in this job of influencing children? What is your critical purpose on this planet? What do you hope will be your legacy?
My 6th grade teacher was the person who inspired me to be a teacher. She was such an amazing teacher and she truly cared about her kids. The other reason I wanted to become a teacher is my love for kids. My reason and my purpose in education is to make sure the kids have the most positive kindergarten experience they can so that they develop a love for learning and the confidence to take risks in a safe environment. The relationships are what matters the most. I have amazing relationships with my students and that is what matters most. I love my students so much and I am proud of the relationships, learning and love that takes place in my classroom.
For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be a teacher. My family is full of teachers. I was always excited to go to school with my mom and help or just write on the board. I loved elementary school and remember my teachers fondly. I especially remember the first time I really struggled with content in middle school and still hold that teacher in high regard for how he not only helped me understand the content, but did so while protecting my dignity and bolstering my confidence. I loved babysitting and eventually went on to spend 20+ summers as a camp counselor, where I belive I made an impact on the lives of campers by supporting them, teaching them, believing in them and helping them believe in themselves. It was a bit of a road to get through college, but there just was nothing else I ever wanted to do. I am thankful every day that I am a teacher. It's certainly not always easy...it's often very hard. However, I am fulfilled by daily interactions that humble me, teach me, and fill me with so much joy. To witness struggle, growth and silliness of kids is an excellent way to spend my days. I want to inspire kids to be lifelong learners, but I always tell them I also want to help them to be good humans.
I got here because I’ve always been drawn to kids and to stories. Growing up, I had a younger brother later in my childhood, and being around him along with other kids was something I naturally gravitated toward. It kept me grounded, energized, and it still does. There’s something about the honesty, curiosity, and unpredictability of young people that feels real in a way not much else does.
That interest eventually led me into teaching history. I’ve always loved history, not just the facts and timelines, but the human experiences behind them. Teaching became the place where my passions came together, helping young people better understand where they come from, how the world works, and how their own story connects to something larger than themselves.
Coaching added another meaningful dimension. Sports naturally teach lessons that are hard to replicate in a classroom, discipline, teamwork, resilience, and learning how to respond when things don’t go your way. Being part of that growth process, seeing students develop through both success and struggle, is incredibly rewarding.
At the heart of it, my purpose is to help students build confidence in who they are and their ability to navigate the world, while also finding ways for them to experience genuine joy in learning and in their school environment, the same kind of joy I was fortunate to experience. If I can do that in a classroom, on a field, or even in a brief everyday interaction, then I feel like I’m doing what I’m meant to do.
I havent thought much about legacy, but I guess I hope it is that I showed up with consistency, cared deeply about the kids I worked with, shared stories that mattered, and helped a few students believe a little more in themselves than they might have otherwise.
I have always wanted to be a teacher. I can remember being in grade school and my friends and I would play school. I wouldn't let anyone else be the teacher. To this day, I have friends who still remind me of how I always had to be the teacher. We get a good laugh out of it. I had at teacher who inspired me to become a teacher. She was so kind and caring. She was also strict and structured and we knew she had high expectations for us. We always felt the love she had for each of us even if sometimes I'm sure she was frustrated with us. I want my students to feel the same way about me. I want them to know I have high expectations of them. I also want them to know I am here for them when things are tough. I want them to understand that I am there to back them and cheer them on if they need me. I want my students to feel safe and know that school is a place for them grow and learn. I've never really thought about my legacy. I want my students to know that I care about them even if they mess up or need extra help. I want them to remember me as someone who was there for them anytime they needed someone to help or guide them when things were tough. I want them to remember the time in my classroom as a safe and fun spot to learn new and excting things.
To take you back to how I got here is probably not so different from many, I loved being around kids when I was little, I loved to help and play with little ones, and I grew up in a big family so teaching was natural. I think I am in this job of influencing children because of how I grew up. I had many great people around me that gave me time and attention and connection. Again, teaching seemed natural to me. I had changed my major in college to business and dipped my toes into that world for a hot second, but it was not my cup of tea. I did not enjoy the shadowing opportunities in the business world; it was just not exciting to me, so I made the jump back to education. I do not know what my critical purpose on this planet is. Perhaps it has been to help children along the way and to bring five good and productive humans into this world. I hope my legacy is my children going off to be good, successful and hard-working humans at whatever it is that they were made for. I can just be remembered as their mom that pushed them to do and be better.
Take us back to your why. How’d you get here? Why are you in this job of influencing children? What is your critical purpose on this planet? What do you hope will be your legacy?
I got here after discovering my passion for education and helping kids along their paths to adulthood. I just knew I wanted to work with kids and specifically help them make decisions and plans for life after high school whether college, career, military, or work. This lead me to teaching and school counseling.
I want to help students feel seen and supported as they build their futures. I want to support them as they take coursework and navigate growing up, making decisions, managing emotions, and learning to figure out life.
I hope my legacy is that I made a real difference in the lives of the kids that I support. I want to be remembered as an educator that believed in them and helped them as all students matter and are capable of becoming productive citizens.
What does it mean to have a culture of “AND”? What could this (or does this) look like in your school? What part can you play in improving your school’s culture?
I got here because I believe children deserve adults who see their potential before they see it themselves, and somewhere along the way I realized that teaching wasn’t just a job, it was a calling. I chose a life of influencing children because I understand the power of a single encouraging voice or a lesson that makes a student feel curious about the world. My purpose on this planet is to help mold young minds who are confident, compassionate, and brave enough to ask why and care about how their choices affect others. I hope my legacy is not measured by lessons taught or standards covered, but by students who remember that someone believed in them and helped them along they way.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was a senior in high school, I struggled to figure out what I wanted to go to college for. All of the students around me seemed like they had it all figured out. It got even more confusing when I started my first year at college and had to pick a major. That was when the pieces started to slowly get put together. My first major was business management, then human resources, then elementary education, then psychology which led to me finally figuring that I wanted to get my masters in school counseling. I didn't know that was what I wanted to do back in high school but I knew that I wanted to help people with any problems that they're going through. Being a school counselor gives me that opportunity to not only help students with any problems they're facing but to help them figure out their path in life. I hope I create a legacy as a school counselor by always advocating for my students, helping them use their strengths and finding their purpose and their why in life.
ReplyDeleteI grew up with my mom having a daycare in our home so was always surrounded by children. I loved school and would play it with the daycare children. When I was old enough I started babysitting to earn money and just knew that I needed to do something with kids!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love teaching and working with children. I am fortunate to work with my district's youngest learners and truly can't see myself anywhere else. I believe that my critical purpose is to instill a love for learning as well as a positive attitude towards school that my students will carry with them always. It is also important to me that they know they are an important part of my classroom, that they are cared about, and that they can do hard things. These are also the things I hope that I am remembered for by my former students and families as well as all of the special things we did together in Preschool.
Growing up, my mom always told me that she thought I should be a kindergarten teacher. I told her I would never be a teacher! As I got older, I decided I wanted to be a child life specialist. I ended up going to SDSU for ECE because that would put me on that path. I ended up adding a special education endorsement because I thought it would look good on my resume. My first practicum for SPED was the early childhood SPED program in the Brookings School District. I spent a few hours there on my first day and when I left, I called my mom and told her I was going to be a SPED teacher. That day changed the course of my life. I loved that we were working on individual goals, not just general skills for everyone. I loved the behavior challenges that came with this specific population. I loved learning about different disabilities and how to differentiate work to make it work for everyone.
ReplyDeleteI haven't thought much about a "legacy" and to be honest it stresses me out to think about what kind of greater purpose I have in this life. I guess at the end of my life, I hope people remember me as a kind and compassionate person, someone that cared about others the way I care for myself, and a good friend, mother, and partner. I hope that the work I do every day in the classroom makes a difference in my students' and their families' lives.
Growing up, I wanted to be a lot of things….a teacher, a doctor, a marine biologist. I always enjoyed being at school and loved the teachers I had. In high school, for a reason beyond me, I decided I wanted to go to college for physical therapy. I took one semester of classes and realized that was NOT what I was meant to do. As soon as I could, I changed my major to education. I am very thankful I chose to follow my heart. My heart was always in education and with children. Growing up, my main summer job was being a nanny. I loved it! When asked why I wanted to become a teacher, I always give the same answer. It was because of my 3rd grade teacher, who also happened to be my neighbor. I loved everything about her classroom—the fun projects we got to do, our journal buddies Jimmy and Timmy that we got to take home with us for a few days at a time, her simple rewards (giving us a few M&Ms or skittles) for doing something good/positive. I knew I wanted to have an impact on others they way she had an impact on me.
ReplyDeleteMy hope is that I pass my knowledge on to the students I teach in a positive, meaningful way. I hope by showing my passion of content, they will discover passions of their own. When/if students think of me later on in life, I would like them to think of me as a fun, passionate teacher who did her best to make learning fun! 😊
I have always wanted to be a teacher. I remember playing school as a kid and having my siblings as my students. When they wouldn't play anymore then I would use stuffed animals. I love it when a student that is confused on a concept finally understands it and the light bulb goes off for them! that is the best feeling knowing that I have helped them figure out a problem.
ReplyDeleteNow as a substitute teacher in the same school I was a preschool teacher for 7 years I am seeing the 3 and 4 year olds that I taught when they are older and it is amazing how some of the things that I taught them in preschool still show up in their daily routine as 3rd or 4th graders! I hope that every one of the students that I have taught knows that they were loved and are loved by me I hope that my actions in the classroom instilled in them a love of learning that will continue for them!
I feel like if memory serves me correctly, I always wanted to be a teacher or at the very least work with children. I remember back in high school, during our study hall if we had all our work completed, we were able to go help in the elementary classes and that was my favorite part of the day. I did a lot of babysitting so considered doing daycare for a minute, but I think it was the summer that I tutored one of my teacher's daughters that I knew that was what I wanted to do. When I was tutoring that child, I was able to see the light bulb moments and that was the golden ticket. I wanted more of those moments so children could feel successful. My purpose to give students those moments are what I still strive for even in my shift to part time. I mainly work with students who are struggling but to give them guidance and reassurance that they have what it takes is my daily goal. I hope my legacy is that "she never gave up on me, all she ever asked for was progress over perfection".
ReplyDeleteTake us back to your why. How’d you get here? Why are you in this job of influencing children? What is your critical purpose on this planet? What do you hope will be your legacy?
ReplyDeleteI wanted to be a teacher to let the ones who struggle have a fair chance by me giving them the opportunity to meet their highest potential. Kids who feel alone or do not feel they are worthy find out they have skills that can make them live a happy and successful life if they believe in themselves by the support of me and other people in this world that care. My students learn hard work will make a difference in the end even when it takes more time to learn the curriculum.
I am a teacher because I enjoy teaching. Both my grandparents were teachers and my dad is currently a teacher. I have been around education my whole life and a career in education felt like the most natural choice for me after I graduated high school. There are a few aspects of education that are not super exciting, but I find most of my job to be fulfilling. I have a tremendous passion for teaching Spanish and what I believe to be a fairly positive mindset. One of the biggest problems I have run into while teaching middle school is student apathy. Kids simply do not want to do anything. My hope is that students see my enthusiasm and leave my class with the idea that learning Spanish (or any subject) is a worthwhile pursuit.
ReplyDeleteI went to college thinking I was going to become a pharmacist, after realizing my course of study was not on track, changing my major a couple more times, talking to my favorite Math teacher from HS, and then some additional soul searching I landed on teaching. I hope to instill the love of my classes/subjects unto my students. I also want to help these students become the best possible adults they can be, playing an active and successive role in society. I want them to know that I am teaching them more than my subject area, but also life lessons. I would like my legacy to be that I care for my students, I want the best for them, and I push them everyday so they know they can be successful.
ReplyDeleteTake us back to your why. How’d you get here? Why are you in this job of influencing children? What is your critical purpose on this planet? What do you hope will be your legacy?
ReplyDeleteI got here because my grandfather had a huge impact on my life. He was a superintendent of schools. He showed me the impact that educators could have on people and communities. I saw this and decided that I wanted to impact children and the future as well. My critical purpose on this planet is to enjoy the passage of time while trying to positively impact the lives of those I come in contact with. I hope my legacy will be one of hope, fun and caring for others. I hope I inspire others to enjoy life in a positive way. I hope others see me as selfless.
Take us back to your why. How’d you get here? Why are you in this job of influencing children? What is your critical purpose on this planet? What do you hope will be your legacy?
ReplyDeleteI struggled in school, so I always had to work hard for the grades I received. My history teachers were not great and every day that we would show up, read a section from the book, and answer the questions at the end of the section. Then the following day, we would show up, take the quiz from the book, pass it to the person behind us and they graded our quizzes for us. I create a lot of anxiety for myself because my classmates would know how I did on my quizzes. We would then have a test every week. I decided to go to school to become a teacher because I feel like I have a personal understanding of how school is not easy for everyone and having differentiated instruction so that all students can learn without being frustrated. I want students to feel comfortable in a classroom and with the content. I want to challenge my students, but not to the point where they feel like a failure or feel like they will never be smart enough. My legacy I want to be is that I recreated relationships with the friends and help them understand that you can learn anything if you put your mind to it and that I will be there to help them get there.
In high school I had two male teachers who truly inspired me to become an educator. They co taught English and Social Studies. Both of them did not care what background any of their students came from because they truly believed in each and every one of us. If we were willing to put in the work they gave us all the tools we needed to be successful. They were very passionate on the subject areas they taught and they connected with all of us on an individual level and gave us real life examples/application. They inspired me to become a teacher so I could help love, connect, and inspire the next generations despite their background, family life, or situation in order to help them gain the skills to be successful in life. More importantly know they are loved and they have the option to do whatever they would like to do in life if they are willing to put in the work. I hope my student always remember I had high expectations for them because I knew they could do it and I’m giving them the skills to help them reach goals they didn’t think they could do. My hardest students I’ve had so far I look back reflect on the mistakes I did make with them and do better now that I know better. Everyone of those kids are the first to meet my eyes in the hallway and tell me hello or good morning because they know I was hard on them because I wanted them to succeed.
ReplyDeleteI grew up in a home that was very unsafe. School became my sanctuary—a place where I could feel safe, cared for, and free to learn. Learning to read opened doors for me and gave me an escape, a way to imagine possibilities beyond my circumstances.
ReplyDeleteI chose to become a teacher because I want to provide that same sense of safety, stability, and opportunity for the children I work with—especially those who may not always have it at home. My critical purpose on this planet is to create a space where every child feels seen, valued, and capable of growth. I hope my legacy will be that of a teacher who not only taught skills but also nurtured hearts, gave children confidence, and helped them know they matter, no matter their circumstances.
Take us back to your why. How’d you get here? Why are you in this job of influencing children? What is your critical purpose on this planet? What do you hope will be your legacy?
ReplyDeleteI have always wanted to work with youth. Even as a high school student I would volunteer to help coach youth sports and work in the elementary. I enjoy giving encouragement and structure to kids, and helping them find their way. I was lucky to find connections early in my career that helped to show that I am helping to make a difference.
I started very early by babysitting the kids around town. Loved watching them grow and learn. It eventually evolved into becoming a teacher. This lead to be going to college to become a teacher, most had a great influence by other teachers, I however did not. I had a few that were negative and mean to me growing up and told myself I would never do that to a child. This lead into me becoming a 4-H educator and told myself I would never be like the old generation and want to influence the kids in the positive way. If I had a legacy I want to known for bringing the program back and the one that taught the kids to do something new! This program isn’t about me it is for the kids and about the kids. We want them to be successful in life by bringing them experiences.
ReplyDeleteI decided to be in education because I enjoyed school and I was successful at school. When I was deciding on a college major I thought I could be a successful teacher who enjoyed the classroom and could help students to be successful. As I worked more in education I realized how important it is to be a role model to young students. I enjoy the challenge of influencing children and I understand that it is a very important role. My critical purpose on this planet is to show kindness while staying true to my faith. I hope my legacy is kindness, love, strength to stand up for my beliefs and faith.
ReplyDeleteI always wanted to be a teacher. I grew up being the local "babysitter" around town. I had a couple of favorite teachers in school that influenced me and guided me in this direction. I have had a variety of jobs at our school district ranging from elementary teacher to computer teacher to an integrationist. I have enjoyed them all. I feel like I have built relationships with students and co-workers as well as many in our community. Watching each the students as well as the staff succeed while working with each has also helped me evolved as a person.
ReplyDeleteMy why? How did I get here? Thinking back to my school days, I had a lot of great teachers who influenced me, but the ones that stuck out were the ones that took the time to build a relationship with me. They not only taught me, but showed me kindness, love and then were firm with me when I needed it. They believed in me and taught me to believe in myself, especially on the hard days. Fast forward to the beginning of my teaching career, I decided that I wanted to make an impact in children's lives, just like those teachers I have mentioned. I pride myself on building relationships and making sure that I touched base with each student every day to let them know I see them! I want students to remember me for the way I made them feel in my classroom and in the halls, that is my legacy!
ReplyDeleteMany teachers often say they knew from a very young age they always wanted to be a teacher. That was not the case with me. I went to college not exactly sure what I wanted to major in. I took an interest inventory survey before my freshman year, and it pointed me to teaching. I always liked kids and enjoyed babysitting, so I thought it might be a good fit for me. As I started down the path, I knew that teaching was what I wanted to do. I enjoy being around kids, and making a difference in their day. I feel that my main purpose is to make sure every child that comes into my classroom feels cared about. Through that they develop the confidence to try anything, and do hard things.
ReplyDeleteI hope the kids remember me as the teacher who loved to learn more about them as a person. I don't plan on doing any work in my room from 7:50-8:15 each morning. When the kids come into the classroom at 7:50. they may choose to go outside or stay in. They may hang out to chat, color, play with Legos, or play Uno. There is no technology allowed. Just "people" time. We play music, talk, and just share life with each other.
Take us back to your why. How’d you get here? Why are you in this job of influencing children? What is your critical purpose on this planet? What do you hope will be your legacy?
ReplyDeleteMy Why and how I got here: I love helping other people. I originally went to school for criminology, as I wanted to be a police officer. I realized how much I love fitness and working with children, so it was a no brainer to teach PE and Health.
My critical purpose on this planet is to preach God's word and to also be a good citizen.
My legacy: I want my students to remember my storytelling and the advice I gave them for life. I hope it brings them to unbelievable places.
I clearly remember being a junior in high school and deciding that I wanted to be a teacher. I was fortunate enough to have great relationships with my teachers, I loved interacting with them. I loved being coached by my coaches. I wanted to be that person to someone else some day. I want to make a difference in the lives of my students. Some days are hard, but I want my kids to know that no matter what they have done, they are still loved and respected. I want to make learning fun, I want them to look forward to coming to school every day. I want my classroom to be their safe place. I feel as though my purpose is to show God's love each day. I want my legacy to be that I showed them love in all circumstances.
ReplyDeleteTeaching is essentially what I was built to do—help people understand things more clearly, think more critically, and make better decisions. There’s a certain satisfaction in seeing someone “get it” because of how I explained something. I love knowing I make a positive impact on young lives, share a passion for learning, and enjoy the, sometimes, "light bulb moments" of understanding.
ReplyDeleteDuring my job shadowing experience in high school I worked in a special education classroom. Throughout that experience, I continuously was reminded how much I wanted to be a special education teacher and make a difference every day student's lives. When I reflect on my why, it truly hasn't changed. I love being that supporter in a student's life that is always rooting for them in the little and big moments. It is a fantastic to see them grow as kids and getting to be the person to celebrate those successes. My why for teaching is getting to be that cheerleader for struggling kids and help them see how amazing they are and the growth they are capable of.
ReplyDeleteMy why has changed from the beginning of my career to now. I first got into teaching because I had (and still have) a passion for history and government. I wanted to share that knowledge with others and inspire them to love history as well. My interest led me to pursue a degree in history education and upon graduation, I got a job at my first school, taught there for 12 years and am currently in my 12th year at my current school.
ReplyDeleteOver time, my why has shifted. I have come to realize that not every student will come to love history, but I can have positive relationships with every student and be a positive influence on the lives of my students. One think that brought this home, was an encounter with a former student at a high school basketball game. We visited for a bit, I got to meet his new so, and then he asked me if I still taught Geography. I actually had him in a history class and have never taught geography. This really drove home to me that while students may not remember everything we teach, they will remember us and the relationships with teachers. I really believe that my purpose on earth is to be a teacher. I hope that my legacy is that students will feel that I treated them with the respect they deserve and know that I care about each of them.
I got here because the connection I needed to make in elementary school didn’t happen until my first year of community college. It was during this time that I met Lynn West, one of my writing instructors. She was very kind to me-letting me know that my writing skills had potential. That was a major turning point for me in that I went from being a “C”/”D” student to an “A”/”B” one almost instantly. Lynn gave me something I’d never had, someone who believed that with a little more practice, I could be a good writer. When someone shows you that level of kindness and support, you start to believe that you can do anything. Oh, how I wish a connection like this would have come at an earlier age, but at least I was blessed with one true teacher/student connection-someone who believed in me.
ReplyDeleteMoving forward, I set my sights on teaching elementary school-a place where I would do my very best to connect to as many students as I could-ensuring they would have EARLY connections in their lives.
I believe we are here to do two things, love and serve. I love learning with my students and I love the act of service (helping others become the best versions of themselves-through modeling).
As far as my legacy goes, I would say, building a love for community service. Two years into teaching, I decided to get my students involved in community service projects. Every year during the holidays, I would get a list of names from a local convalescent center. Now, the names I got were not residents who got a lot of visitors, these were residents who had little to no visitors. I’d send home letters about my gift giving program and students who were interested would select a senior to “adopt” for the holidays. Families would shop for their seniors and then personally deliver the gifts they bought-making connections that lasted several years in many cases. I’m hoping that the students who participated in this program would go on to continue to participate in various community service projects-building a love for both service and connection to their community.
Take us back to your why. How’d you get here? Why are you in this job of influencing children? What is your critical purpose on this planet? What do you hope will be your legacy?
ReplyDeleteGrowing up I absolutely loved sports and being active. I also baby sat a lot in my town. When I first went to college I thought that I wanted to be a physical therapist. I took a semester of classes and quickly found out that I was not passionate about the job. I sat down with my advisor and was talking to her about some of my interests and she suggested physical education. She also recommended that I include elementary education because PE jobs are far and few between. Once I began taking education classes and knew that it was what I wanted to do. I taught 5th grade for 5 years before the PE teacher retired and I got his job. Now I am teaching elementary PE and love it so much! My goal is to build relationships with my students and help them to see that they are loved and valued. I also want to teach them the importance of physical activity and healthy living along with good sportsmanship. I hope that I leave a legacy of teaching students how to respect each other when they are in tough situations. I want them to be respectful, kind, and competitive adults. I think my critical purpose on this planet is to spread positivity and laughter. I hope that when students come to PE they are excited and ready to have fun.
It is really interesting how I became a teacher. My dad who did teach for a lot of years told me not to go into teaching and especially not coaching. So I went into the hospitality business but really disliked it. I went back to school and got my teaching degree in business and minored in coaching.
ReplyDeleteI had 1 teacher that was so excited about teaching and coaching and he was someone that you wanted to be around and work hard for. I have always strived to be like him and he always wanted what was best for his students and athletes and I hope I bring that same energy and passion to my students. I also think kids feed off of that passion and positive attitude that they want to be around me.
Take us back to your why. How’d you get here? Why are you in this job of influencing children? What is your critical purpose on this planet? What do you hope will be your legacy?
ReplyDeleteLooking back, I honestly had no idea what I wanted to do when I went to college. It wasn't until a few years in that I went the Human Service route and then had a friend that encouraged me to the School Counseling path. When I was in high school, I didn't even know the position existed and it was at that time that I didn't want my experience for kids or high school students. I wanted to help them and encourage them in their future's as well as give the younger students tools to help them be successful. I just want kids to remember that I helped them and was a consistent and kind to help them get through some big moments in their lives as well as the small moments.
I’m here because I believe that math isn’t just about numbers, it’s about teaching kids how to think through things when they’re frustrated. I ended up in this classroom because I wanted to be a person who makes a difficult subject feel manageable, and in doing that, I realized my job is less about numbers and more about being a steady presence in their lives. I want to be remember for having a place where they felt seen, safe, and capable of figuring it out.
ReplyDeleteI come from a family that values the education profession. My grandma was a one room school house teacher and my other grandma a professor of education at USF. My grandpa was the principal of old Washington High School in Sioux Falls. My dad taught at my high school. Many others in my family were in education careers as well. From when I was little I got to hear stories of how my family members impacted their lives through their positions in schools. I wrote my Masters Thesis on the power of self efficacy. I see that as my legacy. I want the kiddos that I get to impact to believe in themselves and dream big.
ReplyDeleteTake us back to your why. How’d you get here? Why are you in this job of influencing children? What is your critical purpose on this planet? What do you hope will be your legacy?
ReplyDeleteMy 6th grade teacher was the person who inspired me to be a teacher. She was such an amazing teacher and she truly cared about her kids. The other reason I wanted to become a teacher is my love for kids.
My reason and my purpose in education is to make sure the kids have the most positive kindergarten experience they can so that they develop a love for learning and the confidence to take risks in a safe environment. The relationships are what matters the most. I have amazing relationships with my students and that is what matters most. I love my students so much and I am proud of the relationships, learning and love that takes place in my classroom.
For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be a teacher. My family is full of teachers. I was always excited to go to school with my mom and help or just write on the board. I loved elementary school and remember my teachers fondly. I especially remember the first time I really struggled with content in middle school and still hold that teacher in high regard for how he not only helped me understand the content, but did so while protecting my dignity and bolstering my confidence. I loved babysitting and eventually went on to spend 20+ summers as a camp counselor, where I belive I made an impact on the lives of campers by supporting them, teaching them, believing in them and helping them believe in themselves. It was a bit of a road to get through college, but there just was nothing else I ever wanted to do. I am thankful every day that I am a teacher. It's certainly not always easy...it's often very hard. However, I am fulfilled by daily interactions that humble me, teach me, and fill me with so much joy. To witness struggle, growth and silliness of kids is an excellent way to spend my days. I want to inspire kids to be lifelong learners, but I always tell them I also want to help them to be good humans.
ReplyDeleteI got here because I’ve always been drawn to kids and to stories. Growing up, I had a younger brother later in my childhood, and being around him along with other kids was something I naturally gravitated toward. It kept me grounded, energized, and it still does. There’s something about the honesty, curiosity, and unpredictability of young people that feels real in a way not much else does.
ReplyDeleteThat interest eventually led me into teaching history. I’ve always loved history, not just the facts and timelines, but the human experiences behind them. Teaching became the place where my passions came together, helping young people better understand where they come from, how the world works, and how their own story connects to something larger than themselves.
Coaching added another meaningful dimension. Sports naturally teach lessons that are hard to replicate in a classroom, discipline, teamwork, resilience, and learning how to respond when things don’t go your way. Being part of that growth process, seeing students develop through both success and struggle, is incredibly rewarding.
At the heart of it, my purpose is to help students build confidence in who they are and their ability to navigate the world, while also finding ways for them to experience genuine joy in learning and in their school environment, the same kind of joy I was fortunate to experience. If I can do that in a classroom, on a field, or even in a brief everyday interaction, then I feel like I’m doing what I’m meant to do.
I havent thought much about legacy, but I guess I hope it is that I showed up with consistency, cared deeply about the kids I worked with, shared stories that mattered, and helped a few students believe a little more in themselves than they might have otherwise.
I have always wanted to be a teacher. I can remember being in grade school and my friends and I would play school. I wouldn't let anyone else be the teacher. To this day, I have friends who still remind me of how I always had to be the teacher. We get a good laugh out of it. I had at teacher who inspired me to become a teacher. She was so kind and caring. She was also strict and structured and we knew she had high expectations for us. We always felt the love she had for each of us even if sometimes I'm sure she was frustrated with us. I want my students to feel the same way about me. I want them to know I have high expectations of them. I also want them to know I am here for them when things are tough. I want them to understand that I am there to back them and cheer them on if they need me. I want my students to feel safe and know that school is a place for them grow and learn. I've never really thought about my legacy. I want my students to know that I care about them even if they mess up or need extra help. I want them to remember me as someone who was there for them anytime they needed someone to help or guide them when things were tough. I want them to remember the time in my classroom as a safe and fun spot to learn new and excting things.
ReplyDeleteTo take you back to how I got here is probably not so different from many, I loved being around kids when I was little, I loved to help and play with little ones, and I grew up in a big family so teaching was natural. I think I am in this job of influencing children because of how I grew up. I had many great people around me that gave me time and attention and connection. Again, teaching seemed natural to me. I had changed my major in college to business and dipped my toes into that world for a hot second, but it was not my cup of tea. I did not enjoy the shadowing opportunities in the business world; it was just not exciting to me, so I made the jump back to education. I do not know what my critical purpose on this planet is. Perhaps it has been to help children along the way and to bring five good and productive humans into this world. I hope my legacy is my children going off to be good, successful and hard-working humans at whatever it is that they were made for. I can just be remembered as their mom that pushed them to do and be better.
ReplyDeleteTake us back to your why. How’d you get here? Why are you in this job of influencing children? What is your critical purpose on this planet? What do you hope will be your legacy?
ReplyDeleteI got here after discovering my passion for education and helping kids along their paths to adulthood. I just knew I wanted to work with kids and specifically help them make decisions and plans for life after high school whether college, career, military, or work. This lead me to teaching and school counseling.
I want to help students feel seen and supported as they build their futures. I want to support them as they take coursework and navigate growing up, making decisions, managing emotions, and learning to figure out life.
I hope my legacy is that I made a real difference in the lives of the kids that I support. I want to be remembered as an educator that believed in them and helped them as all students matter and are capable of becoming productive citizens.